Guest Post: Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten!

Many libraries around the United States are implementing a program called 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. This program encourages parents and caregivers to establish a habit of reading to their kids from birth.

We know that reading with children helps them develop an early and enduring love of reading and learning. Many studies have shown that reading with children from an early age helps them be successful in school. The early years are essential, as a child’s brain develops more during the first three years of life than at any other time.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a fun and easy way for parents to interact with their young children through the world of books, preparing them for kindergarten and a lifetime filled with language. This is an opportunity for you to read with your child, laugh together, and bond together!

The Salt Lake City Public Library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten trackers help make it easy to follow your progress. There are two ways that you can track the books that you read with your children. You can sign up for our online program at slcpl.beanstack.org. By signing up online, not only can you track your books using any computer or digital device, earning fun badges and prizes when you hit milestones, but you will also receive weekly emails with suggested reading based on your child’s interests. It’s a great way to discover new stories to bring into your home and have a good reminder to keep reading!

You can also come in to any City Library location and receive a special “My First Reading Log” notebook. Tracking your progress in this book will not only allow you to see where you are in the program, but will give you an amazing keepsake to look back on as your child grows older. Write down each title that you read—even if it is the same title 30 times. Each time you reach a designated milestone, bring your book to any City Library location to receive a prize. This program is designed to take years, so keep going and book-by-book you will reach your goal. Don’t give up and—most importantly—have fun with your child along the way. The journey is where the magic happens.

Other library systems in Utah offer this fun program, too. If you don’t live in Salt Lake City, check with your local library to find out if 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is an option for you!